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Autopsy Shows Missing 13-Year-Old Died From Drowning

CLARION TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- An autopsy took place in Erie Monday on a missing teenage girl found dead near the Clarion River on Sunday.

Police say 13-year-old Shevy Lynn McGiffin's body was found around 4 p.m. by the Clarion Volunteer Fire Department in Trout Run near the Clarion River.

According to the Clarion County Coroner, downing was determined to be the cause of death and foul play is not suspected. No further details were released, due to a pending investigation.

The Clarion County District Attorney assures that officials will continue to investigate.

"There are additional tests to be conducted. At this point, the investigation is still ongoing," said Mark Aaron.

Shevy Lynn McGiffin left her home on Fraternity Drive in Clarion Township around 7:15 p.m. Friday to go to the store for a coloring book, and never returned.

People in the community have been deeply disturbed by the death.

"We're a small town, for this to happen to a 13-year-old, everyone starts wondering why," said Randy Reddinger.

"I can't imagine what happened to that poor little girl," said Bonny Lou Kreibel.

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Police have not named any suspects.

Shevy's mother said the girl was seen speaking to an older man standing next to a brown Buick, but police have not been able to confirm that report.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family pay for funeral expenses.

"She was a sweet girl. She had just been pushed from place to place in living. She went to Keystone and all the teachers down there enjoyed her. She was a shy child, she kept to herself," said Shevy's great aunt Barbara McGiffin. "Why this had to happen I don't know, we don't question the Lord on why things have to happen but…I did."

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